LAZL5 


An  Oration,  on  Education 

By 
T.  H.  Seymour 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT   LOS  ANGELES 


AN  ORATION, 


DELIVERED  AT  NORWICH,  VT.  SEPT.  5,  1831, 


On  the  Eleventh  Anniversary  of  the 


a?merfcati  2Lft*rars,  Scientific 


OF  HARTTORD.  CONK. 


[Published  bj  Request.] 


XOR^VICH  VERMONT.. .1832. 


LA 


ORATION. 

§  • 



a 

When  we  reflect  on  the  innumerable  benefits  knowledge^ 
tsj  with  a  profuse  and  liberal  hand  dispenses,  a  desire  is  felt  to 
examine  the  subject,  and  trace  the  benign  operations  of  a  cause, 
IB    involving  the  happiness  of  Nations  and  individuals.     Some- 
•    thing  there  is,  highly  consoling  to  man,  when  he  looks  over 
the  vast  field  of  learning  and  fixes  his  eyes  on  those  immutable 
truths,  which  are  there  established,  as  land  marks,  to  guide 
and  direct  him  on  his  course. 

Of  the  many  subjects  that  invite  our  attention,  whether  ren- 
dered formidable  by  riches,  or  the  combined  influence,  of  the 
great,  none  have  such  deserving  claims  upon  mankind,  as  the 
great  subjecl  of  education.  This  controling  topic  is  exalt- 
ed above  all  others,  holding  out,  as  it  does,  the  power 
ful  incentive  to  exertion,  imperishable  rewards.  When 
rightly  directed,  it  scatters  the  vices  that  owe  their  parentage 
to  ignorance,  and  binds  the  brow  of  virtue,  with  wreathes  of 
eternal  fame.  The  age  in  which  it  is  our  happiness  to  live, 
is  one  truly  important,  exhibiting  the  triumphs  of  knowledge, 
over  those  errors,  which  for  centuries  lay  in  the  way  of  ma»'s 
advancement,  and  fully  proving  that  no  bounds  are  set  to  the 
progress  of  intellect,  and  thus  inviting  us  onward  to  other 
achievments  no  less  great  and  ennobling.  Knowledge  in  our 
day,  is  by  no  m^ans,  as  of  old,  confined  to  a  particular  sect, 


or  nation,  and  therefore,  being  more  generally  diffused,  it  ia 
reasonable  to  anticipate  changes  greater  than  any  that  have 
yet  taken  place.  As  we  shall  be  led  to  speak  more  particularly 
of  our  own  country,  in  the  course  of  our  observations  on  this  sub- 
ject, an  allusion  to  what  knowledge  always  hts  done  for  na- 
tions, will  naturally  suggest  a  few  remarks  respecting  what 
may  yet  be  done. 

The  influence  of  knowledge  upon  nations,  we  know  to  be 
great  and  salutary.  Its  sublime  effects  on  different  portions 
of  mankind,  leave  no  doubt  on  our  minds,  but  this  is  the  pe- 
rennial source  of  happines;  the  fountain  from  whence  flows 
all  that  can  add  to  the  glory,  and  greatness  of  a  nation.  Wealth 
may  purchase  temporary  power,  by  laying  hold  on  the  inter- 
est?, and  taking  advantage  of  the  countless  weaknesses  of  men, 
but  the  state,  whose  only  resource  is  a  fluctuating  perishable 
commodity,  must  be  said  to  rest  on  a  very  dangerous  and  un- 
stable foundation.  This  alone,  will  allure  enemies,  but  knowl- 
edge attracts  none  but  friends.  "Bear  witness  Greece,  thy 
living  page."  Her  philosophers,  historians  and  poets,  drew 
within  the  country  the  good  and  great,  animated  with  an  ar- 
dent desire  to  pay  a  tribute  to  the  exalted  talents  of  her  illu- 
minati,  and  learn  of  them  the  paths  which  lead  to  immortality. 
There,  where  Homer  sung,  and  Socrates  instructed,  even  the 
enemies  of  Greece  yielded  up  their  prejudices,  and  joined  with 
friends,  in  extolling  the  worth  of  her  sons;  whose  only  aim 
was,  to  please  and  to  instruct  mankind.  It  will  be  found  that 
nations  most  distinguished  in  the  annals  of  the  world,  arose 
to  greatness  in  proportion  as  they  advanced  in  knowledge. 
The  Romans,  early  impressed  with  the  importance  of  educa- 
tion encouraged  every  effort  of  the  human  mind,  and  honored 
every  aspiration  of  the  soul,  whether  uttered  in  the  language 
of  philosophy,  or  the  melting  strains  of  poetry.  They  wel- 
comed every  child  of  genius  to  their  arms;  the  wanderers  from 
the  Isles  of  Greece,  and  those  bearing  the  cnsigna  of  a  more 
barbarous  clime.  Her  sons  thirsted  after  wisdom,  and  knelt 
with  pure  devotion,  in  the  Temple  dedicated  to  tbe  service  of 


the  immortal  mind.  In  this  way,  from  a  state  of  ignorance 
and  barbarity,  they  rose  to  greatness,  and  although  their  mo- 
rality was  not  of  the  same  sublime  nature  with  ours,  education 
was  the  means  of  reforming  a  thousand  abuses,  and  opened  a 
door  for  the  reception  of  numerous  virtues.  What  though  the 
philosophers  of  Greece  and  Rome  mingled  in  the  same  cruci- 
ble truth  and  error,  the  former  almost,  if  not  quite,  precipitated 
the  latter.  It  was  Cicero,  who  laid  it  down  as  a  fixed  princi- 
ple; that  we  ought  to  do  nothing  that  is  avaricious,  nothing 
that  is  dishonest,  nothing  that  is  lascivious;  even  though  we 
could  escape,  the  observation  of  Gods  and  men.  That  in  a 
nation  where  the  religion  of  the  Redeemer,  had  not  shed 
abroad  its  mild  lustre,  such  sentiments  should  fall  from  the  lips 
of  any  one,  is  evidence  of  the  influence  of  learning  on  the 
human  heart.  The  light  that  flashed  up  from  her  seven  hills, 
illumined  other  nations,  and  the  then  known  world,  seemed 
destined  to  become  an  example  to  all  mankind.  Thus  the 
foundation  of  an  Empire  was  laid,  which  men  in  their  admira- 
tion called  eternal.  It  may  be  remarked  that  education  leads  to 
two  great  results;  the  spread  of  christianity,and  the  love  of  free- 
dom,without  which,  a  nation  can  be  neither  truly  great,or  happy. 
In  order  to  prepare  the  way  for  the  reception  of  Christianity, 
some  light  must  be  let  in  upon  the  mind,  or  error  and  supersti- 
tion, will  overwhelm  the  most  palpable  truths,  and  men  per- 
haps become  the  victims  of  bigotry  and  fanaticism.  It  is  only 
as  we  advance  in  knowledge  that  the  shadowing  clouds  of  su- 
perstition roll  away,  and  the  brilliant  sun  of  truth  bursts  upon 
our  delighted  vision.  Mankind,  while  they  continue  in  a  state 
of  ignorance,  are  indeed  but  children  ;  and  not  until  education 
has  done  something  for  the  heart,  by  tempering  the  springs  of 
passion,  will  it  yield  to  the  mild  touch  of  true  religion.  Truth, 
tho'  sometimes  spontaneous,  needs  the  gentle  rain  of  science, 
and  the  refreshing  dew  of  knowledge,  or  it  will  wither. 

Through  the  influence  of  learning,  the  affections  are  refined, 
and  the  mind  of  man  when  once  moved  by  impressions  of  beauty 
and  sublimity,  every  where  to  be  seen  in  the  material  world, 


6 

lias  found  a  clue  to  immortality.  We  would  not  exalt  loo  high- 
Iv,  that  knowledge  which  is  of  the  earth,  earthy,  but  inasmuch 
as  it  encourages  virtue  and  morality,  it  thcicby'aids  and  tup- 
ports  religion  in  its  high  calling.  It  is]thus  education  contributes 
to  promote  Christianity,  and  where  the  former  is  wanting,ignor- 
ancc  assuredly  will  spurn  the  ofTers  of  salvation,  and  shut  out 
the  light  in  live  world.  The  fall  of  the  Roman  Empire  was 
followed  by  a  long  dreary  nighfof  moral  darkness,  and  during 
several  centuries,  ignorance  was  almost  universal,  and  Religion 
made  little  progress.  All  Rome  had  done,  towards  advancing 
the  high  interests  of  mankind,  and  giving  Hmpulse  to. every 
great  object  of  the  day,  when  her  glorious  lights  hung  out  in 
beautiful  relief,  suddenly  received  a  check,  and  was  lost  amid 
the  general  gloom.  But  a  new  era  was  to  take  place,  and 
knowledge  was  to  assist  in  evangelizing  the  world.  The  re- 
\ival  of  letters  under  the  patronage  of  Leo,  was  auspicious  to 
the  great  cause,  and  what  ignorance  had  consigned  to  the 
darkness  of  the  grave,  knowledge  bid  come  forth,  and  the  earth 
and  the  sea  gave  up  their  dead.  Invention  was  manifest  in 
all  the  mind  undertook,  and  zeal  for  discovery,  opened  a  new 
field  to  the  mental  eye.  Man  seemed  imbued  with  a  spirit  of 
cnterprize,  which  adverse  circumstances  could  not  extinguish, 
and  while  thousands  were  moving  on,  refreshed  by  the  breath  of 
a  new  morn,  Religion  took  them  by  the  hand,  and  sweetly  point- 
ed to  a  world  beyond  the  skies,  where  learning  convoked  her 
followers,  and  a  light  from  on  high  illumined  the  scene.  From 
all  we  know  of  the  effect  of  knowledge,  it  is  reasonable  to  infer, 
that  science  and  philosophy,  while  they  enlighten  and  expand 
the  mind,also  confirm  and  strengthen  its  hopes.  Along  the  paths 
of  science,  wonderful  and  sublime,  by  the  fascinating  walks  of 
literature,  and  the  flowery  grovrs  of  poetry,  mankind  are  led 
to  uLook  through  nature  op  to  nature's  God.'' 

No  less  remarkable  has  education  been  in  marshalling  the 
way  to  freedom.  "The  history  of  England,"  said  a  cham- 
pion of  the  second  bill  of  rights,  not  long  since,  on  the  floor  of 
Parliament,  "is  the  hisionr  of  a  succession  of  reforms,  a  proof 


if  indeed  any  is  wanting,  that  knowledge  will  never  be  satisfi- 
ed, while  aught  remains  to  be  accomplished.  He  that  reflects 
on  the  course  of  liberty  in  that  country,  will  be  led  to  inquire 
by  what  means  aristocracy  has  been  made  to  yield  so  often. 
The  institutions  of  Alfred,  (not  perfect  indeed,  though  far  in 
advance  of  the  age,)  hardly  survived  him ;  but  the  encourage- 
ment he  gave  to  learning,  was  felt  by  posterity,  and  from  gen- 
eration to  generation,  the  elements  of  Christianity  and  freedom 
were  transmitted.  A  contest  for  the  latter,  first  obtained  mag- 
net charta,  and  the  blood  of  Charles  I.  extinguished  in  a  meas- 
ure, that  blind  veneration  for  Kings,  to  which  the  people  were 
fatally  prone.  On  the  tomb  of  her  patriot,  freedom  de- 
clared "resistance  to  tyrant's,  obedience  to  God;"  and  the  last 
prayer  of  Gidney  was,  "Lord  defend  thy  cause,  and  defend 
those  who  defend  it."  The  settlement  of  the  pilgrims  here, 
and  subsequent  glorious  events,  are  the  consequence  of  strug- 
gles in  that  country,  between  tyranny  on  the  one  hand,  and 
liberty  on  the  other,  learning  ever  the  friend  of  man,  presid- 
ed the  guardian  genius  of  the  latter.and  even  in  our  day,  the  glo- 
rious work  is  progressing.  By  regular  gradations  in  the  scale 
of  freedom,  that  nation  has  at  length  reached  a  point,  which 
if  achieved,  will  lighten  the  hearts  of  its  subjects,  and  raise 
the  hopes  of  all,  of  whatever  clime,  who  hail  thee  liberty, 
"thrice  sweet  and  gracious  Goddess."  But  not  to  one  nation 
are  these  benefits  confined.  Over  all  the  world,  the  light 
of  knowledge  is  spreading,  and  even  the  heart  of  the  barbarian 
begins  to  feel  its  genial  warmth.  By  degrees,  bigotry,  super- 
stition, and  tyranny,  are  yielding  to  the  spell  of  its  enchant- 
ment. While  men  rejoice  in  contemplation  of  the  glorious  pros- 
pect, time,  pressing  the  ashes  of  dead  Empires,  and  pointing 
to  "art,  glory,  freedom  blotted  out ;"  in  some  degree  justifies 
the  maxim  of  political  writers,  that  nations  like  individuals, 
after  a  few  years  of  perfection,  are  doomed  to  decay.  Liberty 
we  know,  has  sometimes  sprung  up  without  much  exertion, 
and  nations  have  started  into  existence,  as  if  at  the  touch  of  a 
wizard's  wand.  But  to  preserve  and  perpetuate  freedom,to  keep 


8 

pure  the  fountains  of  literature,  and  the  dust  from  the  volume 
of  truth,  can  only  he  accomplished  through  the  united  energies 
of  a  people,  continually  directed  to  these  great  objects.  The 
premature  decay  of  these  nations,  once  crowned  with  great 
glory,  may  be  attributed  in  part,  to  want  of  information  among 
all  classes,  whereby  the  bonds  of  union  are  strengthened. 
Wherever  knowledge  is  dispensed,  a  sort  of  unity  and  strength 
prevails,  and  when  it  ends,  certain  distinctions  begin,  baneful 
to  harmony,  and  the  spirit  of  equality.  This  being  the 
case  in  Rome,  the  patrician  and  plebian  distinctions,  so  fata! 
to  the  peace  and  tranquility  of  the  republic,  were  perpetuated. 
Knowledge  will  have  attained  its  greatest  glory,  when  man- 
kind stand  on  the  same  common  level.  This  indeed  is  the 
benevolent  design  of  knowledge,  to  break  down  every  wall  of 
partition,  between  man  and  man,  and  thus  bring  them  to  know 
and  love  each  other.  Not  many  centuries  since,  knowledge 
was  confined  exclusively  to  the  few,  and  hence  a  learned  aris- 
tocracy sprung  up,  almost  as  dangerous  as  a  mcnied  aristocra- 
cy. With  regard  to  this  country,  which  in  a  peculiar  manner 
has  become  the  ''light  of  nations,"  there  is  yet  a  lingering  of 
that  dogmatical  spirit,  so  prevalent  in  a  less  enlightened  age, 
and  it  is  probably  owing  in  a  measure,  to  the  course  of  instruc- 
tion so  general  here,  it  being  of  too  theoretical  a  character. 
Institutions  such  as  Oxford  and  Cambridge,  though  they  may 
yearly  send  forth  genius  to  hold  sweet  fellowship  with  the 
world,  and  smooth  the  paths  of  learning,  are  not  adapted  to 
the  soil  of  a  republic.  They  to  a  great  extent,  foster  the  vices, 
and  preserve  the  growth  of  "Princes  and  Lords."  Education, 
instead  of  cherising  feelings  of  pride  and  self  conceit,  as  is  too 
often  the  case  should  be  directed  against  these  very  principles. 
The  people  of  this  country  require  a  system  of  education  pe- 
culiar to  their  republican  character,  suited  to  their  habits, 
plain,  practical,  opposed  to  speculative,  that  shall  nurture  the 
stern  virtues,  a  system  calculated  to  unfold  the  physical,  as  well 
as  mental  faculties,  and  prepare  the  young  for  the  service  of 
their  country,  in  peace  or  war.  If  it  was  applied,  in  a  manner 


9 

calculated  to  prepare  the  majority  of  youth  for  practical  duties, 
more  than  it  is  with  us,  the  sentiments  to  which  allusion  has 
been  made,  would  hardly  gain  ground.  During  the  apprentice- 
ship of  youth,  when  the  heart  is  laid  open  by  the  master  spell  of 
learning,  the  season  should  be  spent  in  treasuring  up  informa- 
tion on  the  most  useful,  practical  subjects,  since  with  many 
it  is  the  only  favorable  opportunity  for  acquiring  knowl- 
edge. But  genreally  speaking,  it  is  not  the  case  in  our  coun- 
try. Students  are  required  to  pursue  a  regular  course  of  les- 
sons, and  naturally  imbibing  the  same  ideas,  they  are  very  apt 
to  look  forward  to  the  same  objects,  and  imagine  themselves 
destined  to  the  same  glorious  ends.  To  this  cause  may  be  at- 
tributed the  fact,  that  so  many,  after  receiving  the  honors  of  a 
College,  pursue  fame  through  the  paths  of  Law,  and  Medicine, 
of  whom  the  great  proportion  fall  below  mediocrity.  Thus 
the  professions  are  crowded  by  individuals,  who  contribute  lit- 
tle to  the  happiness  of  community,  but  who  tend  to  bring  dis- 
grace upon  the  cause  of  justice  and  humanity.  How  many^of 
the  number,  now  weaving  the  "cob-web  thread  of  sophistry" 
around  some  delightful  truth,  might  be  usefully  employed  in 
the  mechanic  arts.  Yes  honorably  employed  !  Franklin  was 
not  ashamed  of  his  calling,  but  delighted  to  recur  to  that  por- 
tion of  his  life,  when  he  was  engaged  as  a  Printer,  usefully  and 
profitably.  It  is  evident  but  few  can  follow  with  any  prospect 
of  success  the  learned  professions,  as  they  are  called,  but  many 
may  pursue  other  objects  with  credit  to  themselves,  and  hap- 
pily, by  less  intricate  paths,  contribute  to  their  own,  and  their 
country's  glory.  The  great  proportion  of  young  men,  must  of 
necessity,  turn  their  attention  to  the  more  humble,  but  not  less 
worthy  occupations  for  subsistence,  and  therefore,  it  is  highly 
important  that  they  draw  knowledge  from  those  sources,  con- 
taining all  useful  practical  information.  Because  education  is 
not  enough  adapted  to  the  various  pursuits  of  life,  many  out 
of  the  hundreds  who  graduate  yearly,  are  thrown  upon  the 
world,  from  whom  the  country  reaps  no  benefit.  Of  what 
use,  it  may  be  asked,  is  knowledge  to  us,  unless  we,  the  recipi- 


10 

cot*,  can  turn  it  to  some  good  advantage.  This  is  the  price 
at  which  it  was  bestowed  by  the  great  dispenser  of  blessings, 
that  man  should  not  hide  his  talent  in  the  earth,  but  continue 
to  add  to  its  worth.  It  is,  however,  impossible  that  all  can  be 
employed  in  the  same  way.  Since  they  cannot  then,  let  it  be 
the  object  of  every  Seminary  of  learning,  to  direct  attention, 
more  particularly  to  employments  of  a  practical,  scientific  char- 
acter, the  various  mechanic  arts,  civil  engineering,  surveying, 
and  not  least,  agriculture;  a  department  the  scholar  need  not  be 
ashamed  to  enter,  which  however  neglected,  contains  the  ele- 
ments of  national  and  individual  wealth.  The  other  profes- 
sions, will  take  care  of  themselves,  but  these,  equally  useful, 
demand  a  portion  of  that  knowledge,  now  thrown  awayiti  use- 
less competition  for  fame,  which  like  the  wild  fire  we  some- 
times behold  playing  above  the  dark  and  vaporous  earth,  for- 
ever eludes  the  grasp  of  the  wondering  children  of  men.  Let 
those  who  stand  in  the  high  places  of  knowledge  adopt  a  course 
ot  instruction  practical  throughout,  and  intelligence  will  find  its 
way  into  the  counting-room  and  workshop,  it  will  place  the  me- 
chanic on  a  level  with  the  sage,  and  direct  the  plough  in  the 
field,  thus  rendering  these  professions  more  respectable  than 
the  superficial  are  willing  to  admit.  Education  conducted  on 
this  plan,  would  be  strictly  republican.  Instead  of  learning 
being  confined  to  the  few,  it  would  be  widely  dissemina- 
ted, and  more  immediately  conveyed  to  the  laboring  class  of 
community,  who  need  information  as  a  shield  against  the  de- 
vices of  those,  who,  not  content  with  teaching,  would  also  lead, 
and  govern  mankind.  Under  the  system  so  general  in  this 
country,  but  one  direction  is  given  to  the  mind,  and  every 
thing  taught,  seems  only  preparatory  to  display  at  the  Bar,  or 
in  the  Senate,  while  in  reality,  a  part  are  unfitted  for  the  ac- 
tive duties  of  life,  by  being  lifted  from  their  sphere.  A  differ- 
ent course  of  instruction  would  furnish  fewer  theorists,  and 
more  practical  men,  and  at  the  same  time,  enable  all  to  fol- 
low some  useful  profession.  In  order  to  prepare  the  young 
more  effectually  to  discharge  practical  duties,  such  as  must  fall 


11 

on  most  of  them,  attention  to  bodily  exercise  is  indispensible, 
and  the  subject  of  physical  education  deserves  to  be  consid- 
ered and  carried  into  operation,  as  well  as  aught  that  concerns 
the  mind.  Effeminacy  and  its  train  of  vices,  are  the  direct 
consequence  of  a  sort  of  luxurious  ease,  contracted  during 
youth,  and  mostly  while'  within  the  walls  of  the  academy. 
Now,  independent  of  the  benefits  which  must^accrue  to  indi- 
viduals, under  a  regular  course  of  physical  discipline,  the  Re- 
public would  receive  at  the  hands  of  her  magi,  men  of  stout 
hearts,  andfvigorous  minds. 

When  we  reflect  that  many  have  sown  the  seeds  of  death 
with  the  first  rudiments  of  knowledge, and  others  have  grown  up 
with  weak  and  feeble  constitutions,for  want  of  early  and  repeat- 
ed exercise  of  the  faculties  by  which  we  move  and  enter  on 
the  performance  of  the  various  duties  of  life,  an  increasing 
interest  is  attached  to  the  subject.  With  respect  tojhe  mind 
there  is  a  curious  analogy  between  it  and  the  body.  Severe 
labor,  long  continued,  will  paralize  the  constitution  and  waste 
its  strength.  So  too,  the  mind,  subjected  to  closecpainful  ap- 
plication seldom  endures  the  trial  without  being  affected  as 
well  as  the  entire  system.  It  cannot  any  more  than  the  body, 
support  burthens,  and  preserve  unimpaired  its  curious  and  won- 
derful faculties  during  a  lengthy  period  of  excitement.  Memory, 
hovering  over  the  past  and  hoarding  up  the  treasures  of  a  by 
gone  age,  or  writing  on  the  tablet  of  the  heart  the  result  of 
close  reading  and  calculating  demonstration,  truths  so  necessar- 
ry  for  men  to  know,  will,  if  not  occasionally  suspended  in  its 
operations,  too  severely  try  its  great  and  important  powers. 

The  mind  requires  relaxation  in  the  same  degree  as  does 
the  body  ;  and  when  the  powers  of  the  latter  are  gently  mov- 
ed by  exercise,  the  mind,  though  partially  at  rest,  will  be  re- 
covering strength,  and  preparing  for  a  more  daring  flight. 
Unaided  by  the  physical  faculties,  the  soul,  dependant  in  one 
sense  on  the  clay  which  encloses  it,  will  lose  its  nervous  intel- 
lectual grasp.  Exercise  besides  being  a  pleasant  restora- 


12 

tire  to  the  mind,  forms  man  for  activity,  and  clothes  him  with 
majesty  and  strength.     Thus  he  is  fitted  to  endure  the  wear 
and  tear  of  existence,  under  which  another  would  sink.     The 
ancienta  were  fully  sensible  of  the  importance  of  this  subject, 
and  their  course  of  exercise  combined  amusement  with  utility. 
Their  schools,  where  dwelt  philosophy  and  the  muses,  where 
enchantments  "flung  a  sunlight  over  the  heart,"  provided  for 
the  stern  discipline  of  the  physical  powers,  and  from  those 
nurseries  of  all  that  is  great  in  man,  there  went  forth  the  in- 
flexible, unwavering  citizen,  and  the  intrepid  patriotic  soldier. 
The  youth  of  -Sparta  were  accustomed  to  undergo  fatigue  from 
their  earliest  years,  and  as  they  grew  up,  each  exhibited  in  his 
own  character  a  fine  illustration  of  the  superiority  of  the  sys- 
tem,   under    which  he    was   educated.      And  we  may  add, 
while  the  wisdom  of  the  Grecian  Laws,  especially  those  regu- 
lating the  training  of  youth,  were  respected,  and  strictly  en- 
forced, luxury  looked  into  the  state,  but  dare  not  enter,  and 
war  rolled  by,   without  polluting  her  free  soil.      With  us  it 
must  be  made  a  duty,  as  with  them,  and  the  good  effects  will 
fall  on  a  large  number  of  the  sons  of  the  republic.     They  will 
grow  to  manhood,  exempt  from  many  infirmities,  sound  in  body, 
and  if  the  nature  of  their  studies  direct  to   practical  employ- 
ments, possess  all  the  qualifications  necessary  to  success.     The 
great  object  however,  will  not  be  answered  unless  this  impor- 
tant part  of  education  is  made  a  duty,  as  well  as  other  branch- 
es.    It  will   never  do  to  leave  it  to  the  whim  and  caprice  of 
those,  for  whose  benefit  such  a  course  is  intended.     As  to  the 
sort  of  exercise,  there  is  one,  possessing  merits  we  hesitate  not 
to  declare,  above  any  that  can  be  named,  inasmuch  as  it  leads 
to  a  correct  knowledge  of  military  tactics.     This  science  is  im- 
portant to  us,  and  the  practical  part  a  most  healthy  instructive 
exercise.     Having  alluded  to  the  subject,  we  would  urge  one 
consideration  more,  and  although  the  "small  voice"  here  lifted 
up,  will  hardly  be  heard  beyond  these  walls,  the  time,  the  place, 
seem  to  demand  further  deliberation.     The  necessity  of  "scat- 
tering the  seeds  of  military  knowledge"  throughout  the  Re- 


13 

public  is  entitled  to  serious  notice.  That  nation  may  justly 
be  considered  strong,  whose  sons  understand  the  use  of  those 
means  of  defence,  on  which  she  must  rely  in  the  hour  of  her 
utmost  need.  The  glory  of  a  nation  is  common  property,  and 
if  parted  with,  it  must  be  at  the  risk  of  national  infamy.  Yet 
this  glory,  this  character,  written  on  her  institutions,  and  bla- 
zing in  the  eyes  of  the  world,  is  ever  liable  to  be  tarnished  by 
the  breath  of  envious  nations,  and  the  sacred  rights  of  the 
true  cause  of  glory,  brought  down  by  intrigue,  or  the  strong 
arm  of  power,  to  a  level  with  lowly  things.  Considering  the 
situation  of  Empires,  and  their  relative  position  towards  each 
other,  it  is  chimerical  to  suppose  they  can  ever  unite  long  in 
fellowship.  Never  will  the  interests  of  nations  be  one,  and 
undivided.  They  must  ever  differ  in  some  essential  particu- 
lars, and  in  the  course  of  human  events,  there  is  a  possibility 
of  serious  collision.  This  being  an  undeniable  truth, 
it  is  the  imperative  duty  of  that  nation,  whose  laws  are  worth 
preserving,  to  prepare  for  whatever  evils  past  experience  points 
out  as  likely  to  happen,  and  of  which  the  mutations  that 
are  constantly  taking  place  in  the  world,  leave  no  doubt. 
The  late  glorious  change  in  the  French  dynasty,  that  one  event 
which  will  forever  shed  renown  on  the  gallant  people  whose 
blood  has  consecrated  it,  and  sealed  the  instrument  of  their 
deliverance,  placed  the  nations  of  Europe  in  a  most  critical 
situation.  The  unholy  war  now  raging  against  Poland,  land  of 
heroes ;  Sobeiski  and  Koseiasko,  has  enlisted  the  sympathies 
of  every  one,  who  can  estimate  the  value  of  equal  justice,  and 
in  all  probability,  Russia,  insensible  to  the  blessings  of 
freedom,  will  soon  have  more  to  contend  with  than  she  at  first 
anticipated.  In  view  of  this  prospect,  what  naturally  forces 
itself  on  our  minds,  but  the  solemn  conviction,  that  we  too,  in 
progress  of  time,  may  be  drawn  into  conflict  with  the  haters 
of  the  liberties  of  man  ?  If  there  is  one  truth  more  important 
than  another  to  us,  it  is  this;  that  though  freedom  may  be  gain- 
ed, it  seldom  can  be  recovered.  Once  lost,  all  is  lost !  But  it  is 
gained,  triumphant  truth !  We  walk  in  its  light,  and  sit  down 


14 

under  the  shadow  of  the  tree  whose  leares  arc  emblems  of  the 
freshness  and  glory  of  our  political  system.  And  jet  is  there 
no  danger  that  we  may  be  driven  forth  from  this  second  para- 
dise? There  is  danger,  if  we  are  not  constantly  prepared  to 
meet  and  repel  war  should  it  reach  these  peaceful  shores,  or 
to  go  forth,  and  humble  the  "untamed  spirit,"  that  dares  to  hold 
cheap  our  liberty  and  our  laws.  The  safety  of  this  republic, 
her  honor  and  glory,  can  only  be  entrusted  to  the  free  born 
people,  and  they  must  be  instructed  in  the  holy  art  of  defence. 
It  is  admitted  that  we  cannot  tolerate  standing  armies,  for  the 
reason  that  they  have  ever  been  more  devoted  to  the  interests 
of  a  throne,  than  those  of  the  people.  If  then,  we  are 
too  wise  to  rely  on  mercenaries,  shall  we  lose  our  credit  for 
sagacity,  and  not  provide  for  future  security?  No!  the  voice 
of  reason,  the  dictates  of  humanity,  the  solemn  warning  of  that 
great  patriot  and  statesman,  "first  in  war,  first  in  peace,"  the 
bloody  past,  and  the  fearful  present,  point  out  in  characters  not 
to  be  mistaken,  the  duty  of  Americans.  All  the  morality  a 
nation  can  oppose  to  the  whirlwind  of  war,  will  prove  too  fee- 
ble to  stay  its  progress,  when  it  rolls  up,  and  comes  darkly  on. 
But  there  is  a  physical  power,  guided  and  supported  by  moral 
courage,  refined  and  sublimated  by  the  amor  palria,  which  is, 
and  ever  has  been,  irresistable.  Blood  may  flow,  and  the  altar 
and  the  hearth  be  made  desolate,  but  peace  will  finally  extend 
her  olive  branch,  and  the  defender  assume  in  a  more  lofty 
character,  his  station  in  the  world.  If  it  is  plain  that  resort 
must  be  had  to  the  people,  should  unforseen  events  place  us  in 
the  character  of  belligerants,  this  much,  is  surely  important,  to 
have  men,  who,  when  called  on  to  peril  their  all  in  the  cause  of 
their  country,  possess  a  knowledge  of  that  science,  indispensible 
to  good  discipline,  and  success  in  the  field.  Undoubtedly  much 
might  be  done  towards  effecting  this  great  object,  if  military 
tactics  were  made  a  part  of  elementary  education.  A  little 
time  devoted  to  this  subject  in  our  Seminaries  of  learning, 
might  be  profitably  spent,  and  this  knowledge,  so  important  to 
us,  instead  of  being  confined  to  a  few  privileged  individuals 


15 

would  soon  be  generally  understood  and  correetly  practised. 
We  may  reasonably  calculate  the  most  beneficial  consequences 
from  this  simple  plan.  Imperceptibly  the  happy  result  would 
follow  without  an  effort  on  the  part  of  those,  who,  regarding 
the  militia  as  the  palladium  of  our  liberties,  desire  to  see  them 
well  disciplined.  Teach  the  young  throughout  our  country, 
in  this  way,  and  they  will  bear  the  knowledge  home  a  gift  of 
value,  to  bestow  on  their  fellow  citizens.  Thus,  every  man 
would,  in  time,become  a  soldier,without  derogating  from  his  sta- 
tion in  life,  or  nurturing  dishonorable  ambition.  For  it  is  idle  to 
suppose  the  people  will  ever  thirst  to  mingle  in  the  battles  of  am- 
bition, however  skilful  in  tactics,  or  animated  with  the  spirit  of 
the  followers  of  Ceasar,  burn  to  be  led  against  the  men  of  every 
nation.  They  are  bound  by  a  thousand  holy  ties  to  the  soil,  their 
interests,  their  happiness  is  inseperably  woven  with  our  free 
institutions,  and  these  must  be  defended  at  the  risk  of  life  and 
fortune.  That  a  course  of  education  such  as  we  have  endeav- 
ored to  point  out  would  benefit  the  country,  by  providing  for 
every  capacity,  and  thus  placing  it  in  the  power  of  all  to  begin 
the  world  well,  enemies  to  luxury,  possessing  not  only  the  spir- 
it, but  ihe  strength  to  roll  back  the  tide  of  war,  and  save  the 
land  from  pollution,  there  is  little  room  to  doubt.  Let  it  not 
be  supposed  that  the  man  of  mere  practical  information,  suffi- 
cient to  give  an  impulse  to  whatever  he  undertakes,  has  not 
the  same  power  to  do  good  with  the  professional  character. 
Each  in  his  own  sphere  may  do  good  or  evil,  but  because  one 
is  deeper  read  in  metaphysics  and  philosophy  than  another, 
does  it  necessarily  follow  that  he  xvill  confer  greater  benefits 
on  mankind?  Learning  cannot  confer  perfection,  tho'  it  may 
lead  to  it.  The  advantages  of  science  and  philosophy  are 
great,  and  it  so  happens,  they  have  been  levelled  to  human 
reason.  Let  the  mind  be  enlightened  by  a  few  ideas  on  sub- 
jects of  this  nature,  and  it  will  easily  contemplate  worlds,  and 
systems  of  worlds.  It  does  not  require  a  long  life  of  research 
to  make  a  philosopher.  The  Athenians  were  called  a  nation 
of  philosophers,  and  the  knowledge  acquired  in  their  schools, 


16 

reduced  to  a  few  plain  truths,  was  sufficient  to  put  them  in  a 
thinking  way.  They  were  mostly  useful,  practical  men,  quick 
to  understand  their  rights,  and  bold  in  defending  them.  The 
plain  practical  man,  converts  whatever  he  touches  into  fine 
gold,  while  the  mere  speculator,  "wrapped  in  dismal  thinkings7' 
is  often  led  through  a  train  of  absurdities,  from  which  very 
little  good  results.  Practical  men  the  country  calls  for.  To 
the  inventive  practical  genius  of  Fulton,  we  are  indebted  for 
a  new  and  curious  craft,  which  may  be  seen  stemming  the  im- 
petuous current  of  the  Mississippi,  and  the  rapids  of  yon  pure 
stream,  thus  uniting  the  interests,  and  confirming  the  friend- 
ship of  the  inhabitants  of  different  states.  Education  has  done 
much  for  us,  but  a  vast  deal  remains  to  be  accomplished.  Here 
the  temple  of  science  and  philosophy  are  crowded  by  willing 
auditors,  and  a  glory  like  that  which  fell  on  the  Roman  eagle, 
is  rendering  more  visible  each  star  in  the  banner  of  our  free- 
dom. Education  has  exploded  old  errors,  shamed  bigotry, 
broken  the  cords  of  persecution  and  left  human  opinions  free. 
Blessed  gift  of  God  to  man,  grant  it  may  be  spared  alike  by  all, 
and  so  impartially  distributed  that  no  one  shall  feel  himself 
exalted  above  another.  Here  let  the  work  be  accomplished. 
Inspired  by  that  innate  principle,  love  of  country,  we  ari  in- 
clin  d  to  invoke  first  a  blessing  on  this"land  of  the  mountain  and 
the  flood,"  but  our  sympathies  are  not  bounded  by  the  green 
lovely  home,  hallowed  in  our  hearts.  They  fly  to  the  utter- 
most parts  of  the  earth,  and  hang  with  trembling  anxiety  round 
the  houseless  heads  of  the  oppressed  and  persecuted  of  whatev- 
er name  or  nation.  Dear  thrilling  reflection!  Man  shall  not 
forever  be  degraded;  he  shall  not  creep  in  the  dust  like  the  ser- 
pent, nor  hang  his  head  like  the  willow,  in  the  courts  of  kings, 
but  raised  and  honored  by  knowledge,  he  shall  enjoy  the 
blissful  sweets  of  uninterrupted  civil  and  Religious  liberty. 


I  MVI  KsiTY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  LOS  ANGJ 1  I  - 

THE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below 


LTilil-L-,1 


An"          """ '""  "III  III 
001344016 


LA25 
S52o 


